A year after launching its first device, HMD is yet to release kernel sources for any of its smartphones

The Nokia 8 is yet to have its kernel sources released. (Source: Juho Sarvikas)

HMD, perhaps only second to Google in terms of software updates, has failed to release kernel sources for any of its devices so far. Users are also stuck with locked bootloaders, which makes any attempts at community support futile.

HMD released its first device about a year ago. The company, an offshoot of sorts of the now defunct Nokia mobile division, has been portrayed as one that caters to end users. In spite of that image, the Finnish OEM has failed to do one of the few things a number of its competitors do: release kernel sources for its devices.

Android, an open-source OS, makes use of the Linux kernel which shares the GPLv2 license. All OEMs releasing devices with the Android OS are obligated to release kernel sources for their devices, as it's a clause that comes with the rights to the license. Going against that is, for all intents and purposes, a case of copyright violation.

HMD isn't the only OEM to adopt this policy. Xiaomi, for example, has a well-documented history of releasing kernel sources for its devices up to a year after launch. OEMs like Huawei, OnePlus, and Samsung, however, have a more consumer-friendly stance on the matter. The OnePlus 5T even had its kernel sources released hours after launch, for some perspective.

HMD has adhered to an impressive policy on software updates, and that is commendable, especially in a world where OEMs try as much as possible to leave users with the short end of the stick. The company's stance on community/enthusiast support is lackluster at best, however, and has to be chided.

I'm a freelance copywriter who lives and dies for tech. Android, ​especially. The smartphone market is one going through an impressive growth spurt, so I crawl the Internet with keen interest in a technological ecosystem that doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.